EP4023970A1 - Air sanitation device for refrigerator and refrigerator - Google Patents
Air sanitation device for refrigerator and refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4023970A1 EP4023970A1 EP21214772.2A EP21214772A EP4023970A1 EP 4023970 A1 EP4023970 A1 EP 4023970A1 EP 21214772 A EP21214772 A EP 21214772A EP 4023970 A1 EP4023970 A1 EP 4023970A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- air
- housing
- partition member
- light
- sanitation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/11—Apparatus for controlling air treatment
- A61L2209/111—Sensor means, e.g. motion, brightness, scent, contaminant sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/12—Lighting means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/14—Filtering means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
- A61L2209/15—Supporting means, e.g. stands, hooks, holes for hanging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
- A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
- A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
- A61L9/122—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor comprising a fan
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
- A61L9/22—Ionisation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0415—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by deodorizing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0416—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification using an ozone generator
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
- F25D2317/0417—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification using an UV-lamp
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air sanitation device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator.
- CN110878998A discloses a refrigerator, including a storage compartment having a front opening, a door for closing the storage compartment, and an air sanitation device fixed to a top wall of the storage compartment.
- the air sanitation device includes a housing and an air detection device and/or an air purification device located in the housing.
- CN105148313A discloses a sterilization and deodorization device for a refrigerator.
- the sterilization and deodorization device includes a housing provided with an airflow channel, a sterilization module located in the airflow channel, and a deodorization filtering module filled with sepiolite and located downstream of the sterilization module.
- the sterilization and deodorization device further includes an LED light bar, which is configured to make a ray of light emitted by the LED light bar exit through a central panel of a cover body of the housing, thereby integrating functions of sterilization, deodorization, and illumination.
- An objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved air sanitation device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator.
- the embodiments of the present invention relate to an air sanitation device for a refrigerator.
- the air sanitation device includes: a housing, including a light outlet; an air channel located in the housing; an air detection device and/or an air purification device located in the air channel; an illumination device located in the housing to generate light adapted to pass through the light outlet; and a partition member, separating the illumination device from the air channel, air being adapted to flow along a first side of the partition member, and the illumination device being located between a second side of the partition member and the light outlet.
- the illumination device and air sanitation related devices are separated by the partition member in the housing, so that the air sanitation device not only has air sanitation related functions, but also has an illumination function. In addition, an effect of air entering the housing on the illumination device can be reduced.
- the partition member and the housing together define an accommodating space isolated from the air channel, and the illumination device is located in the accommodating space. Because air entering the air channel is substantially not in contact with the illumination device, the service life and illumination quality of the illumination device can be ensured.
- the accommodating space and the air channel are substantially parallel on two sides of the partition member.
- the air detection device and/or the air purification device is fixed to the first side of the partition member, and/or the illumination device is fixed to the second side of the partition member.
- the partition member is fixed to the housing.
- the partition member may be detachably fixed to the housing.
- the air sanitation device includes a first fixing mechanism configured to fix the partition member to the housing, and the first fixing mechanism is distributed around the light outlet.
- the partition member includes a main board portion and a side board extending from an edge of the main board portion toward the light outlet, the main board portion and the side board together define an accommodating cavity opening toward the light outlet, and the illumination device is at least partially located in the accommodating cavity.
- the illumination device includes a light source, the light source includes a light emitting element and a circuit board carrying the light emitting element, and the circuit board extends along the side board.
- the partition member includes a first slot extending along the side board, and the circuit board is at least partially located in the first slot.
- the illumination device includes a light guide plate and a frame bar fixing the light source to an end of the light guide plate, the frame bar has a protrusion supporting the circuit board and protruding toward the first slot, and the protrusion extends into the first slot.
- the illumination device includes a light diffuser (96), and the light diffuser is fixed to the partition member.
- the light diffuser is at least partially accommodated in the partition member.
- a surface of the light diffuser facing the light outlet does not exceed a distal end surface of the partition member facing the light outlet.
- the housing includes an air inlet penetrating through a side wall of the housing, the partition member has an end surface adjacent to the air inlet, a gap being disposed between the end surface and the side wall, and an angle being formed between planes in which the end surface and the side wall are respectively located.
- the air sanitation device includes a control unit, the control unit is electrically coupled to at least one of the illumination device, the air detection device, and the air purification device, and the control unit is fixed to the first side of the partition member.
- an air sanitation device characterized by including: a housing, including a first housing member and a second housing member, the first housing member being coupled to the second housing member to form a receiving space; a partition member located in the housing; an air detection device and/or an air purification device; and an illumination device, where an air channel is disposed between the first housing member and the partition member, the air detection device and/or the air purification device is located in the air channel, the second housing member has a light outlet, and the illumination device is located between the partition member and the second housing member.
- a first accommodating space for accommodating the air detection device and/or the air purification device is disposed between the first housing member and the partition member
- a second accommodating space for accommodating the illumination device is disposed between the second housing member and the partition member
- the second housing member has the light outlet
- the first accommodating space has the air channel.
- the air detection device and/or the air purification device is fixed to the partition member, and/or the illumination device is fixed to the partition member.
- the second housing member has an air inlet and/or an air outlet.
- Still another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a refrigerator, characterized by including a storage compartment and the air sanitation device according to any one of the foregoing claims, and the air sanitation device is located in the storage compartment.
- a refrigerator 100 includes a storage compartment 101 having a front opening 10 and a door 102 for closing the storage compartment 101.
- a top wall 1010 of the storage compartment 101 may be a top wall of a refrigerator body 1001 of the refrigerator 100.
- the storage compartment 101 may extend from an upper part of the refrigerator body 1001 to a lower part, or another storage compartment is further disposed in a lower part of the storage compartment 101. It should be understood that, in an alternative embodiment, it is possible that another storage compartment is further provided in an upper part of the storage compartment 101.
- the refrigerator 100 may include an air duct 103 for conveying cooled air to the storage compartment 101.
- the air duct 103 may be disposed in a rear part and/or a top part of the storage compartment 101. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the air duct 103 is disposed in the rear part of the storage compartment 101.
- the refrigerator 100 may include an air duct fan 104 for forming forced air circulation in a storage region of the storage compartment 101 and the air duct 103.
- air in the air duct 103 enters the storage region of the storage compartment 101 through an air vent 107, and the air in the storage region of the storage compartment 101 returns to the air duct 103 from an air return vent 108.
- An evaporator 105 may be disposed in the air duct 103.
- cold air in the air duct 103 also comes from another storage compartment.
- the refrigerator 100 includes an air sanitation device 1 for detecting at least one air sanitation related parameter in the storage compartment 101 and/or purifying air in the storage compartment 101.
- the air sanitation device 1 is merely used for detecting the air sanitation related parameter in the storage compartment 101.
- the air sanitation device 1 has a purification device, such as any device adapted to perform sterilization and deodorization.
- the air sanitation device 1 may include an air detection device and an air purification device.
- the air sanitation device 1 may include a housing 2, an air channel 3 located in the housing 2, and an air detection device 5 and an air purification device 6 located in the air channel 3.
- Air from outside may enter the air channel 3 through an air inlet 31, and be discharged out of the air channel 3 through an air outlet 32.
- the air inlet 31 and the air outlet 32 may be formed in the housing 2.
- the air sanitation device 1 includes a fan 4 located in the air channel 3, to force the air from the outside to enter the air channel 3 and be discharged out of the housing 2 after flowing through the air detection device 5 and the air purification device 6.
- a flow direction of the air in the air channel 3 may be shown by an arrow a.
- the air detection device 5 may be configured to detect at least one gas parameter in the storage compartment 101.
- the gas parameter may include whether there are one or more types of gases, and/or contents or concentrations of ingredients of one or more types of gases.
- the air detection device 5 may be further configured to detect germ related parameters in air.
- the air detection device 5 detects concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the storage compartment 101.
- VOCs total volatile organic compounds
- the air detection device 5 may include a first circuit board 50 and a gas sensor 51 fixed to the first circuit board 50.
- the gas sensor 51 may be, but is not limited to, a metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensor, and the gas sensor may include a semiconductor sensing element and a heater for heating the semiconductor sensing element.
- the air purification device 6 may include any one or more of an air filter, an ultraviolet sterilization device, an ion generation device, an ozone generation device, and the like. Different purification devices may be integrated into one module or be separately arranged.
- the air purification device 6 may be located downstream of the air detection device 5 and be arranged in the air channel 3.
- the air purification device 6 may be located between the air detection device 5 and the air outlet 32.
- the air purification device 6 includes an ion generator 61, and the ion generator 61 is configured to release icons into the air channel 3.
- a power supply unit 63 for supplying power to the ion generator 61 is located in the housing 2.
- the air purification device 6 may further include an air filter 62.
- the air filter 62 may be a physical and/or chemical filter, such as an adsorption filter or an enzyme filter (for example, Pt filter).
- the air filter 62 is arranged upstream of the ion generator 61, to filter impurities in air and reduce humidity of air flowing through the ion generator 61. It is found in experiments that, this can effectively reduce foreign substances gathered on a tip of the ion generator 61, thereby significantly reducing a possibility that crystals are generated on the tip of the ion generator 61 due to the impurities and water vapor in the air adhering to the tip and then productions of ions and ozone are reduced. Therefore, sterilization efficiency of the air purification device 6 may be improved.
- the air filter 62 is arranged upstream of the fan 4, and the ion generator 61 is arranged downstream of the fan 4. In an implementation having the air detection device 5, the air filter 62 is located between the air detection device 5 and the ion generator 61.
- the air sanitation device 1 may include a control unit 16 operatively connected to the air detection device 5.
- the control unit 16 is adapted to receive a signal from the air detection device 5.
- the control unit 16 may alternatively be configured to be adapted to send an instruction to the air detection device 5.
- the control unit 16 may be operatively connected to the fan 4.
- the fan 4 may operate or stop operating based on the instruction of the control unit 16.
- the control unit 16 may be operatively connected to the power supply unit 63.
- the power supply unit 63 may supply power to the ion generator 61 based on the instruction of the control unit 16.
- a baffle wall 161 around the control unit 16 and a baffle wall 631 around the power supply unit 63 are disposed in the housing 2, to reduce a chance that air is in contact with the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63.
- the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 are disposed adjacent to a rear wall 22.
- the air channel 3 includes a first channel segment 38 located between the air inlet 31 and the fan 4, and a second channel segment 39 located between the fan 4 and the air outlet 32.
- the first channel segments 38 extend transversely toward the fan 4, and the second channel segment 39 extends toward the rear wall 22 in a front-to-rear direction.
- an air inlet 31 is disposed on each side wall 21, a pair of first channel segments 38 merge at an inlet 41 of the fan 4, and the second channel segment 39 extends rearward from an outlet 42 of the fan 4.
- the baffle walls 631 and 161 are disposed between the first channel segments 38 and the rear wall 22, to define mounting regions 27 between the rear wall 22 and the baffle walls 631 and 161, at least one electric component is disposed in the mounting regions 27, and the electric component is electrically coupled to the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6.
- the electric component may include the control unit 16 and/or the power supply unit 63 electrically coupled to the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6.
- the housing 2 may include two mounting regions 27, and the second channel segment 39 is located between the two mounting regions 27 in a transverse direction of the air sanitation device 1.
- the air channel 3 extends from front parts of two sides of the housing 2 toward the middle of the housing 2, and is discharged toward a rear part of the housing 2 after passing through the fan 4.
- the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 are located at two sides of a downstream segment 35 of the air channel 3.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic partial three-dimensional view of a refrigerator having an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device.
- a housing 2 includes a front wall 20 facing a front opening 10, a rear wall 22 facing a rear part of a storage compartment 101, a bottom wall 23, an upper wall 24, and a pair of side walls 21.
- the housing 2 may include a first housing 28 and a second housing 29.
- An air channel 3 is located between the first housing 28 and the second housing 29.
- An air inlet 31 is located at a side part of the housing 2.
- the air inlet 31 may be located at a single side or two sides of the housing 2.
- An air outlet 32 is located at a rear part of the housing 2. Air from the storage compartment 101 enters the housing 2 from two sides of the air sanitation device 1, and finally returns to the storage compartment 101 from the rear part of the housing 2.
- the housing 2 may be flat, and the air channel 3 in the housing 2 is also flat.
- a pair of boundary walls in opposite arrangement define at least a part of opposite boundaries of the air channel 3.
- a first boundary wall 3A is located above a second boundary wall 3B in the pair of boundary walls
- the first boundary wall 3A may also be referred to as an upper boundary wall
- the second boundary wall 3B may also be referred to as a lower boundary wall.
- the first boundary wall 3A is formed by the upper wall 24 of the housing 2.
- the second boundary wall 3B is located between the upper wall 24 and the bottom wall 23 of the housing 2.
- the second boundary wall 3B may be formed by a carrying member 7 for carrying an air detection device 5 and/or an air purification device 6. It should be understood that, in other embodiments of the present invention, the second boundary wall 3B may alternatively be formed by, for example, the bottom wall 23.
- a plurality of air inlets 31 are distributed at intervals on the side walls 21.
- the air inlets 31 may be distributed over most of lengths of the side walls 21 in a front-to-rear direction, and even some air inlets 31 may overlap a control unit 16 or a power supply unit 63 of an ion generator 61.
- the side walls 21 include an oblique portion 210 that makes the housing 2 gradually contract in a width direction of the storage compartment 101 in a top-to-bottom direction, and the air inlet 31 is located at the oblique portion 210. Therefore, when the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on a top part of the storage compartment 101, the air inlet 31 is obliquely downward, which helps air enter the air sanitation device 1.
- the air channel 3 includes an introduction segment 33 through which air flows obliquely upward. After entering the air inlet 31, the air flows obliquely upward toward the upper wall 24 of the housing 2. An inlet of a fan 4 is lower than the upper wall 24, to drive air to flow obliquely downward.
- the air channel 3 is configured to enable air to flow along a side of a first printed circuit board 50 to which a gas sensor 51 is fixed, and a direction that an inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces is opposite to a direction in which the gas sensor 51 protrudes from the circuit board 50.
- the gas sensor 51 protrudes from the first circuit board 50 toward the first boundary wall 3A, the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the second boundary wall 3B, and the gas sensor 51 is closer to the first boundary wall 3Athan the inlet 41 of the fan 4.
- the gas sensor 51 protrudes from the first printed circuit board 50 toward the upper boundary wall of the air channel 3, and the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the lower boundary wall which defines a lower boundary of the air channel 3.
- the gas sensor 51 is closer to the upper boundary wall of the air channel 3 than the inlet 41 of the fan 4.
- the gas sensor 51 may include a sensing element 52 fixed to the circuit board 50, a sensor cover 53 protruding from the circuit board 50 and having an accommodating cavity for accommodating the sensing element 52, and a permeable layer 54 for covering an inlet of the accommodating cavity.
- the permeable layer 54 covers an inlet of a free end of the sensor cover 53, to allow air to pass through the permeable layer 54 to enter the sensor cover 53 and be in contact with the sensing element 52.
- the permeable layer 54 may be substantially parallel to the first circuit board 50 or the second boundary wall 3B of the air channel 3.
- the permeable layer 54 is higher than the inlet 41 of the fan 4, so that the permeable layer 54 is closer to the first boundary wall 3A of the air channel 3 than the inlet 41 of the fan 4.
- the permeable layer 54 is at least higher than a lower edge of the air inlet 31. In a vertical direction, the permeable layer 54 may be completely located above the air inlet 31.
- the air detection device 5 is located between the air inlet 31 and the fan 4. In this way, the air inlet 31 makes air flow obliquely toward the first boundary wall 3A after entering the air inlet 31.
- the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the second boundary wall 3B, and sequentially, air flows obliquely downward in at least a part of segments between the air detection device 5 and the inlet of the fan 4.
- the air flows obliquely upward and then flows obliquely downward between the air inlet 31 and the fan 4, and a part of the air may have potential energy of movement in the vertical direction when flowing through the gas sensor 51. Therefore, more air can be in contact with the sensing element 52 through the permeable layer 54, thereby helping improve detection accuracy of the gas sensor 51.
- the first circuit board 50 is located in the air channel 3, a gap G1 is disposed between the first circuit board and the second lower boundary wall 3B of the air channel 3, and the gap G1 is closed at an upstream side of the first circuit board 50 adjacent to the air inlet 31, so that more air flows above the first circuit board 50 and flows through the gas sensor 51.
- An air filter 62 between the air detection device 5 and the fan 4 may be disposed adjacent to the air detection device 5.
- the air filter 62 is higher than the permeable layer 54.
- the air sanitation device 1 may include a carrying plate 7A located in the housing 2.
- the carrying plate 7A is located between the first housing 28 and the second housing 29.
- the air detection device 5 and the air purification device 6 are carried on the carrying plate 7A.
- the air channel 3 is located at a side of the carrying plate 7Aon which the air detection device 5 and the air purification device 6 are mounted and defines a lower boundary of a corresponding segment of the air channel 3.
- the fan 4 is supported by the carrying plate 7A, the inlet 41 of the fan 4 faces the carrying plate 7A, and a gap G2 is disposed between the inlet and an upper surface of the carrying plate 7A.
- the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 are fixed to a rear part of the carrying plate 7A.
- the first circuit board 50 is fixed to the carrying plate 7A.
- the first circuit board 50 may be substantially parallel to the carrying plate 7A, and the gap G1 is disposed between a lower surface of the first circuit board and the upper surface of the carrying plate 7A.
- the gap G1 is closed by a closing portion 58 at the upstream side of the first circuit board 50, so that air cannot enter the gap G1.
- control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 are disposed adjacent to a rear wall 22.
- the baffle walls 161 and 631 are respectively disposed around the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63, to separate from the air channel 3.
- the air channel 3 extends transversely toward the middle from two sides of the housing 2, respectively, and then extends rearward after gathering in the fan 4. Therefore, air flows transversely in a front part of the housing 2 after entering the housing 2 from the two sides of the housing 2, flows toward the rear part of the housing 2 after entering the fan 4, and is discharged out of the housing 2, that is, returns to the storage compartment 101.
- the outlet 42 of the fan 4 faces the air outlet 32 located at the rear part of the housing 2.
- the ion generator 61 is located between the outlet 42 and the air outlet 32.
- the outlet 42 of the fan 4 directly faces the ion generator 61.
- the air channel 3 may include an outlet segment 35 that is located downstream of the outlet 42 of the fan 4 and a width of which is gradually increased.
- the outlet segment 35 may include an expansion segment 351 that is adjacent to the outlet 42 of the fan 4, and a width of which is gradually increased. Therefore, an end of the expansion segment adjacent to the outlet 42 of the fan 4 may have a smaller width, and in addition, the housing 2 still has an enough size for arranging the air outlet 32. This helps prevent corners that may trap air from being formed next to the outlet 42 of the fan 4, and in addition, the air outlet 32 distributed in a wider region helps air located downstream of the fan 4 be smoothly discharged out of the housing 2.
- the ion generator 61 may be a point discharge ion generator.
- the ion generator 61 may also generate ozone by-products for sterilization when generating ions.
- the ion generator 61 may include a channel 611, and a tip ion generation component 612 is located in the channel 611. An inlet of the channel 611 faces the outlet 42 of the fan 4.
- An outlet of the ion generator 61 may face the air outlet 32, so that products of the ion generator 61 may enter the storage compartment 101 through the air outlet 32 as rapidly as possible.
- the ion generator 61 may be disposed in such a way that the ions have a tendency to flow toward the air outlet 32.
- the air channel 3 may disposed in such a way that at least a part of air is obliquely downward discharged out of the housing 2. Therefore, air including germicidal substances may flow obliquely downward, to further help the germicidal substances flow to other parts of the storage compartment 101. It is particularly advantageous that, the air flowing obliquely downward from the top part of the storage compartment 101 and including the germicidal substances may join airflow that is discharged from the air duct 103 located in the rear part of the storage compartment 101 and that flows forward, which helps the germicidal substances follow the airflow discharged from the air duct 103 to places where the forced air circulation passes.
- a depressed portion 1010 may be disposed in a top wall 1001, to mount the air sanitation device 1.
- the upper wall 24 of the housing 2 is located in the depressed portion 1010 and defines an upper boundary of the air channel 3, and the air outlet 32 is located outside the depressed portion 1010.
- the upper wall 24 has a guiding portion 241 for guiding air downward to the air outlet 32, so that the air is guided to the air outlet 32 located outside the depressed portion 1010. On the one hand, this helps the air be accurately guided to the air outlet 32 and be smoothly discharged out of the housing 2.
- the air when the air is discharged out of the housing 2, at least a part of the air may be guided by the guiding portion 241 to flow obliquely downward toward the air outlet 32, so that at least a part of the air can flow obliquely downward.
- the guiding portion 241 may include a slope that slopes from top to bottom.
- the slope may include a plane and/or a curved surface.
- a rear end of the guiding portion 241 may be connected to the rear wall 22 of the housing 2 provided with the air outlet 32.
- the rear end of the guiding portion 241 may be adjacent to the air outlet 32 and located above the air outlet 32.
- a length of the guiding portion 241 may be greater than an entire length covering the ion generator 61 and cover the entire ion generator 61, so that air flows more smoothly toward the air outlet 32.
- the air sanitation device 1 includes the housing 2 provided with the air channel 3, and the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6 located in the air channel 3.
- the housing 2 includes a light outlet 25, the air sanitation device 1 includes an illumination device 9, and the illumination device 9 is located in the housing 2 to generate light adapted to pass through the light outlet 25.
- the light outlet 25 faces the storage compartment 101, to illuminate the storage compartment 101.
- the light outlet 25 may be a through hole passing through the housing 2, or be formed through a light permeable wall of the housing 2.
- the partition member 7 By using the partition member 7 to separate the illumination device 9 from the air channel 3, air entering the housing 2 from outside may be separated from the illumination device 9, which particularly helps improve the service life of the air sanitation device 1 having the illumination device 9.
- the partition member 7 and the housing 2 together define an accommodating space 70 isolated from the air channel 3, and the illumination device 9 is located in the accommodating space 70.
- the air channel 3 having the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6 is located above the illumination device 9.
- Both the accommodating space 70 and the air channel 3 may be in a flat structure.
- the accommodating space 70 may be distributed approximately parallel to the air channel 3.
- the partition member 7 may include a carrying plate 7A for mounting the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6.
- the air detection device 5 and/or the air purification device 6 may be fixed to the first side of the partition member 7.
- the air detection device 5, the air purification device 6, and the fan 4 are mounted at the first side of the partition member 7 away from the light outlet 25.
- the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 may also be mounted at the first side of the partition member 7.
- the partition member 7 and these electronic devices carried in the partition member 7 may be pre-assembled to form a pre-assembly module 7B.
- the partition member 7 may include a main board portion 71 and a side board 72 extending from an edge of the main board portion 71 toward the light outlet 25.
- the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on the top part of the storage compartment 101, the light outlet 25 is located at the bottom part of the housing 2, and the side board 72 extends downward from the main board portion 71.
- the air detection device 5, the air purification device 6, and the fan 4 are mounted on the main board portion 71, so that the main board portion 71 forms the carrying plate 7A.
- the control unit 16 and the power supply unit 63 may also be mounted on the main board portion 71.
- the main board portion 71 may have a plurality of protrusions 711 protruding in a direction away from the light outlet 25, to fix these components.
- a distal end of the side board 72 may overlap a lower wall 23 of the housing 2.
- the distal end of the side board 72 may overlap the lower wall 23 of the housing 2 by surrounding the light outlet 25.
- the air sanitation device 1 may include a first fixing mechanism configured to fix the partition member 7 to the housing 2.
- the first fixing mechanism may be configured to be adapted to generate a force that makes the distal end of the side board 72 tightly butt against the housing 2. This way helps reduce a probability that air enters the accommodating space 70 through a gap between the side board 72 and the housing 2.
- the first fixing mechanism may include a plurality of hooks 26 disposed in the housing 2, and the hooks 26 are connected to the partition member 7 so that a force toward the lower wall 23 of the housing 2 is applied to the partition member 7.
- the hooks 26 may be distributed around the light outlet 25, and hook on an edge of the main board portion 71.
- the illumination device 9 may be mounted at the second side of the partition member 7 facing the light outlet 25.
- the main board portion 71 and the side board 72 enclose an accommodating cavity 701 opening toward the light outlet 25, and the illumination device 9 is at least partially located in the accommodating cavity 701.
- the accommodating cavity 701 may constitute at least main part of the accommodating space 70.
- an illumination device 9 includes a light source 91.
- the light source 91 may include an LED light emitting element (not labeled) and a circuit board 93 carrying the light emitting element.
- the circuit board 93 extends along a side board 72 and is located at a side in the accommodating cavity 701.
- a partition member 7 may have a first slot 74 extending along the side board 72, and the circuit board 93 extends into the first slot 74.
- a depth of the first slot 74 is greater than depths of other parts of the accommodating cavity 701 in the partition member 7.
- the illumination device 9 may include a light guide plate 94 and a frame bar 95 fixing the light source 91 to an end of the light guide plate 94.
- the frame bar 95 has a protrusion 951 supporting the circuit board 93 and protruding toward the first slot 74, and the protrusion 951 extends into the first slot 74, so that the circuit board 93 also extends into the first slot 74.
- the illumination device 9 may include a light diffuser 96.
- the light diffuser 96 covers an outer side of the light guide plate 94, and the light source 91 and the light guide plate 94 are located between a main board portion 71 and the light diffuser 96.
- the light diffuser 96 may be fixed to the partition member 7, so that the light source 91 and the light guide plate 94 are mounted in the accommodating cavity 701.
- periphery of the light diffuser 96 may be connected to the side board 72 by buckles.
- the light diffuser 96 may be in a shallow tray shape opening toward the partition member 7, and the light source 91 and the light guide plate 94 are accommodated in the light diffuser 96.
- the light source 91, the light guide plate 94, and the light diffuser 96 may be together mounted at the partition member 7 after forming a pre-assembly unit.
- the light diffuser 96 is at least partially accommodated in the partition member 7.
- a side wall of the light diffuser 96 is located in the accommodating cavity 701.
- a surface of the light diffuser 96 facing a light outlet 25 does not exceed a distal end surface of the side board 72.
- the surface of the light diffuser 96 facing the light outlet 25 may be substantially flush with the distal end surface of the side board 72.
- the partition member 7 has an end surface 76 adjacent to a side wall 21 having an air inlet 31, and the end surface 76 is exposed in the air channel 3.
- a gap is disposed between the end surface 76 and the side wall 21 of the housing 2.
- the side wall 21 has an oblique portion 210, an angle is disposed between the oblique portion and the end surface 76, and the air inlet 31 passes through the oblique portion 210. This can reduce occurrence of a case that the air entering the air channel 3 directly flows toward the end surface 76 and is blocked.
- the housing 2 includes a first housing 28 and a second housing 29, and the first housing 28 is connected to the second housing 29 to form a receiving space 201.
- the second housing member 29 has the light outlet 25.
- An accommodating space 70 for accommodating the illumination device 9 is formed between the partition member 7 and the second housing 29.
- a first accommodating space 202 for accommodating an air detection device 5 and/or an air purification device 6 is disposed between the first housing 28 and the partition member 7. At least most of the air channel 3 is located between the first housing 28 and the partition member 7.
- the air inlet 31 is located in the second housing 29.
- the air inlet 31 may be at least partially lower than an upper surface of the main board portion 71 facing the first housing 28, and disposed obliquely so that air entering the air inlet 31 flows toward the first housing 28, thereby helping avoid a case that air entering the air channel 3 through the air inlet 31 is blocked by the partition member 7 and wind resistance is increased.
- a lower edge of the air outlet 32 may be substantially flush with an upper surface of the partition member 7 facing the first housing 28, so that air flows to the air outlet 32 along the upper surface of the partition member 7.
- the air outlet 32 may be disposed in the second housing 29.
- the second housing 29 may include a convex portion 295 protruding toward the partition member 7, an inner side of the convex portion 295 may be tightly adjacent to or be in contact with the side board 72 of the partition member 7, and the air outlet 32 is disposed on the convex portion 295, so that the air outlet 32 is tightly adjacent to the upper surface of the partition member 7, and air flowing along the upper surface of the partition member 7 can smoothly flow to the air outlet 32.
- a first sunk part 282 may be disposed at rear ends of two sides of the first housing 28, to reduce air blown to the control unit 16 or the power supply unit 63.
- a second sunk part 283 may be further disposed in the first housing 28, to accommodate cables and terminals.
- the air sanitation device 1 may be fixed in a depressed portion 1010 by using a plurality of hooks 285 located in the first housing 28.
- FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 may be combined with each other in any given manner to realize the advantage of the present invention.
- the present invention is not limited to the shown embodiments. Usually, apart from the shown means, other means can also be used as long as the means can also achieve the same effect.
Abstract
Description
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air sanitation device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator.
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CN110878998A discloses a refrigerator, including a storage compartment having a front opening, a door for closing the storage compartment, and an air sanitation device fixed to a top wall of the storage compartment. The air sanitation device includes a housing and an air detection device and/or an air purification device located in the housing. -
CN105148313A discloses a sterilization and deodorization device for a refrigerator. The sterilization and deodorization device includes a housing provided with an airflow channel, a sterilization module located in the airflow channel, and a deodorization filtering module filled with sepiolite and located downstream of the sterilization module. The sterilization and deodorization device further includes an LED light bar, which is configured to make a ray of light emitted by the LED light bar exit through a central panel of a cover body of the housing, thereby integrating functions of sterilization, deodorization, and illumination. - An objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved air sanitation device for a refrigerator and a refrigerator.
- The embodiments of the present invention relate to an air sanitation device for a refrigerator. The air sanitation device includes: a housing, including a light outlet; an air channel located in the housing; an air detection device and/or an air purification device located in the air channel; an illumination device located in the housing to generate light adapted to pass through the light outlet; and a partition member, separating the illumination device from the air channel, air being adapted to flow along a first side of the partition member, and the illumination device being located between a second side of the partition member and the light outlet.
- The illumination device and air sanitation related devices are separated by the partition member in the housing, so that the air sanitation device not only has air sanitation related functions, but also has an illumination function. In addition, an effect of air entering the housing on the illumination device can be reduced.
- In a possible embodiment, the partition member and the housing together define an accommodating space isolated from the air channel, and the illumination device is located in the accommodating space. Because air entering the air channel is substantially not in contact with the illumination device, the service life and illumination quality of the illumination device can be ensured.
- In a possible embodiment, the accommodating space and the air channel are substantially parallel on two sides of the partition member. In a possible embodiment, the air detection device and/or the air purification device is fixed to the first side of the partition member, and/or the illumination device is fixed to the second side of the partition member.
- In a possible embodiment, the partition member is fixed to the housing. The partition member may be detachably fixed to the housing.
- In a possible embodiment, the air sanitation device includes a first fixing mechanism configured to fix the partition member to the housing, and the first fixing mechanism is distributed around the light outlet.
- In a possible embodiment, the partition member includes a main board portion and a side board extending from an edge of the main board portion toward the light outlet, the main board portion and the side board together define an accommodating cavity opening toward the light outlet, and the illumination device is at least partially located in the accommodating cavity.
- In a possible embodiment, the illumination device includes a light source, the light source includes a light emitting element and a circuit board carrying the light emitting element, and the circuit board extends along the side board.
- In a possible embodiment, the partition member includes a first slot extending along the side board, and the circuit board is at least partially located in the first slot.
- In a possible embodiment, the illumination device includes a light guide plate and a frame bar fixing the light source to an end of the light guide plate, the frame bar has a protrusion supporting the circuit board and protruding toward the first slot, and the protrusion extends into the first slot.
- In a possible embodiment, the illumination device includes a light diffuser (96), and the light diffuser is fixed to the partition member.
- In a possible embodiment, the light diffuser is at least partially accommodated in the partition member.
- In a possible embodiment, a surface of the light diffuser facing the light outlet does not exceed a distal end surface of the partition member facing the light outlet.
- In a possible embodiment, the housing includes an air inlet penetrating through a side wall of the housing, the partition member has an end surface adjacent to the air inlet, a gap being disposed between the end surface and the side wall, and an angle being formed between planes in which the end surface and the side wall are respectively located.
- In a possible embodiment, the air sanitation device includes a control unit, the control unit is electrically coupled to at least one of the illumination device, the air detection device, and the air purification device, and the control unit is fixed to the first side of the partition member.
- Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to an air sanitation device, characterized by including: a housing, including a first housing member and a second housing member, the first housing member being coupled to the second housing member to form a receiving space; a partition member located in the housing; an air detection device and/or an air purification device; and an illumination device, where an air channel is disposed between the first housing member and the partition member, the air detection device and/or the air purification device is located in the air channel, the second housing member has a light outlet, and the illumination device is located between the partition member and the second housing member.
- In a possible embodiment, a first accommodating space for accommodating the air detection device and/or the air purification device is disposed between the first housing member and the partition member, a second accommodating space for accommodating the illumination device is disposed between the second housing member and the partition member, the second housing member has the light outlet, and the first accommodating space has the air channel.
- In a possible embodiment, the air detection device and/or the air purification device is fixed to the partition member, and/or the illumination device is fixed to the partition member.
- In a possible embodiment, the second housing member has an air inlet and/or an air outlet.
- Still another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a refrigerator, characterized by including a storage compartment and the air sanitation device according to any one of the foregoing claims, and the air sanitation device is located in the storage compartment.
- Other features of the present invention are shown in the claims, accompanying drawings, and description of the accompanying drawings. The features and feature combinations described in the foregoing description and the features and feature combinations described in the description of the following accompanying drawings and/or simply shown in the accompanying drawings can not only be presented by the described combination manners, but also be presented by other combinations or separately without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention that are not described and not specifically shown in the accompanying drawings but can be thought of from the detailed description of the embodiments and that can be obtained from combinations of various features shall be considered to be included and disclosed.
- The following accompanying drawings, as a part of the specification and provided to further understand the present invention, describe specific implementations of the present invention and are used to describe the principle of the present invention along with the specification.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator having an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic partial three-dimensional view of a refrigerator having an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where a first housing is removed; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator having an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , arefrigerator 100 includes astorage compartment 101 having a front opening 10 and adoor 102 for closing thestorage compartment 101. - In an embodiment, a
top wall 1010 of thestorage compartment 101 may be a top wall of arefrigerator body 1001 of therefrigerator 100. Thestorage compartment 101 may extend from an upper part of therefrigerator body 1001 to a lower part, or another storage compartment is further disposed in a lower part of thestorage compartment 101. It should be understood that, in an alternative embodiment, it is possible that another storage compartment is further provided in an upper part of thestorage compartment 101. - The
refrigerator 100 may include anair duct 103 for conveying cooled air to thestorage compartment 101. Theair duct 103 may be disposed in a rear part and/or a top part of thestorage compartment 101. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , theair duct 103 is disposed in the rear part of thestorage compartment 101. - The
refrigerator 100 may include anair duct fan 104 for forming forced air circulation in a storage region of thestorage compartment 101 and theair duct 103. For example, during operation of theair duct fan 104, air in theair duct 103 enters the storage region of thestorage compartment 101 through anair vent 107, and the air in the storage region of thestorage compartment 101 returns to theair duct 103 from anair return vent 108. - An evaporator 105 may be disposed in the
air duct 103. In other embodiments, cold air in theair duct 103 also comes from another storage compartment. - The
refrigerator 100 includes an air sanitation device 1 for detecting at least one air sanitation related parameter in thestorage compartment 101 and/or purifying air in thestorage compartment 101. In some embodiments, the air sanitation device 1 is merely used for detecting the air sanitation related parameter in thestorage compartment 101. In some other embodiments, the air sanitation device 1 has a purification device, such as any device adapted to perform sterilization and deodorization. In still other embodiments, the air sanitation device 1 may include an air detection device and an air purification device. - In an exemplary example, as shown in
FIG. 2 , the air sanitation device 1 may include ahousing 2, anair channel 3 located in thehousing 2, and anair detection device 5 and anair purification device 6 located in theair channel 3. - Air from outside (for example, the storage compartment 101) may enter the
air channel 3 through anair inlet 31, and be discharged out of theair channel 3 through anair outlet 32. Theair inlet 31 and theair outlet 32 may be formed in thehousing 2. - The air sanitation device 1 includes a
fan 4 located in theair channel 3, to force the air from the outside to enter theair channel 3 and be discharged out of thehousing 2 after flowing through theair detection device 5 and theair purification device 6. A flow direction of the air in theair channel 3 may be shown by an arrow a. - The
air detection device 5 may be configured to detect at least one gas parameter in thestorage compartment 101. For example, the gas parameter may include whether there are one or more types of gases, and/or contents or concentrations of ingredients of one or more types of gases. Theair detection device 5 may be further configured to detect germ related parameters in air. - In an embodiment, the
air detection device 5 detects concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in thestorage compartment 101. - The
air detection device 5 may include afirst circuit board 50 and agas sensor 51 fixed to thefirst circuit board 50. Thegas sensor 51 may be, but is not limited to, a metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensor, and the gas sensor may include a semiconductor sensing element and a heater for heating the semiconductor sensing element. - The
air purification device 6 may include any one or more of an air filter, an ultraviolet sterilization device, an ion generation device, an ozone generation device, and the like. Different purification devices may be integrated into one module or be separately arranged. - The
air purification device 6 may be located downstream of theair detection device 5 and be arranged in theair channel 3. - Therefore, the
air purification device 6 may be located between theair detection device 5 and theair outlet 32. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
air purification device 6 includes anion generator 61, and theion generator 61 is configured to release icons into theair channel 3. Apower supply unit 63 for supplying power to theion generator 61 is located in thehousing 2. - The
air purification device 6 may further include anair filter 62. Theair filter 62 may be a physical and/or chemical filter, such as an adsorption filter or an enzyme filter (for example, Pt filter). - In an embodiment, when the air sanitation device 1 is arranged in a non-freezing compartment, the
air filter 62 is arranged upstream of theion generator 61, to filter impurities in air and reduce humidity of air flowing through theion generator 61. It is found in experiments that, this can effectively reduce foreign substances gathered on a tip of theion generator 61, thereby significantly reducing a possibility that crystals are generated on the tip of theion generator 61 due to the impurities and water vapor in the air adhering to the tip and then productions of ions and ozone are reduced. Therefore, sterilization efficiency of theair purification device 6 may be improved. - In an embodiment, the
air filter 62 is arranged upstream of thefan 4, and theion generator 61 is arranged downstream of thefan 4. In an implementation having theair detection device 5, theair filter 62 is located between theair detection device 5 and theion generator 61. - The air sanitation device 1 may include a
control unit 16 operatively connected to theair detection device 5. Thecontrol unit 16 is adapted to receive a signal from theair detection device 5. Thecontrol unit 16 may alternatively be configured to be adapted to send an instruction to theair detection device 5. - The
control unit 16 may be operatively connected to thefan 4. Thefan 4 may operate or stop operating based on the instruction of thecontrol unit 16. - The
control unit 16 may be operatively connected to thepower supply unit 63. Thepower supply unit 63 may supply power to theion generator 61 based on the instruction of thecontrol unit 16. - A
baffle wall 161 around thecontrol unit 16 and abaffle wall 631 around thepower supply unit 63 are disposed in thehousing 2, to reduce a chance that air is in contact with thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63. In an embodiment, thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 are disposed adjacent to arear wall 22. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , theair channel 3 includes afirst channel segment 38 located between theair inlet 31 and thefan 4, and asecond channel segment 39 located between thefan 4 and theair outlet 32. Thefirst channel segments 38 extend transversely toward thefan 4, and thesecond channel segment 39 extends toward therear wall 22 in a front-to-rear direction. - In an embodiment, an
air inlet 31 is disposed on eachside wall 21, a pair offirst channel segments 38 merge at aninlet 41 of thefan 4, and thesecond channel segment 39 extends rearward from anoutlet 42 of thefan 4. - The
baffle walls first channel segments 38 and therear wall 22, to define mountingregions 27 between therear wall 22 and thebaffle walls regions 27, and the electric component is electrically coupled to theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6. The electric component may include thecontrol unit 16 and/or thepower supply unit 63 electrically coupled to theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6. - The
housing 2 may include two mountingregions 27, and thesecond channel segment 39 is located between the two mountingregions 27 in a transverse direction of the air sanitation device 1. - Therefore, the
air channel 3 extends from front parts of two sides of thehousing 2 toward the middle of thehousing 2, and is discharged toward a rear part of thehousing 2 after passing through thefan 4. Thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 are located at two sides of adownstream segment 35 of theair channel 3. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic partial three-dimensional view of a refrigerator having an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an air sanitation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air sanitation device. As shown inFIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , ahousing 2 includes afront wall 20 facing afront opening 10, arear wall 22 facing a rear part of astorage compartment 101, abottom wall 23, anupper wall 24, and a pair ofside walls 21. - The
housing 2 may include afirst housing 28 and asecond housing 29. Anair channel 3 is located between thefirst housing 28 and thesecond housing 29. - An
air inlet 31 is located at a side part of thehousing 2. Theair inlet 31 may be located at a single side or two sides of thehousing 2. Anair outlet 32 is located at a rear part of thehousing 2. Air from thestorage compartment 101 enters thehousing 2 from two sides of the air sanitation device 1, and finally returns to thestorage compartment 101 from the rear part of thehousing 2. - The
housing 2 may be flat, and theair channel 3 in thehousing 2 is also flat. A pair of boundary walls in opposite arrangement define at least a part of opposite boundaries of theair channel 3. In this embodiment that a first boundary wall 3A is located above asecond boundary wall 3B in the pair of boundary walls, the first boundary wall 3A may also be referred to as an upper boundary wall, and thesecond boundary wall 3B may also be referred to as a lower boundary wall. - In an embodiment, the first boundary wall 3A is formed by the
upper wall 24 of thehousing 2. - In an embodiment, the
second boundary wall 3B is located between theupper wall 24 and thebottom wall 23 of thehousing 2. Thesecond boundary wall 3B may be formed by a carryingmember 7 for carrying anair detection device 5 and/or anair purification device 6. It should be understood that, in other embodiments of the present invention, thesecond boundary wall 3B may alternatively be formed by, for example, thebottom wall 23. - A plurality of
air inlets 31 are distributed at intervals on theside walls 21. The air inlets 31 may be distributed over most of lengths of theside walls 21 in a front-to-rear direction, and even someair inlets 31 may overlap acontrol unit 16 or apower supply unit 63 of anion generator 61. - In an implementation, as shown in
FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 , theside walls 21 include anoblique portion 210 that makes thehousing 2 gradually contract in a width direction of thestorage compartment 101 in a top-to-bottom direction, and theair inlet 31 is located at theoblique portion 210. Therefore, when the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on a top part of thestorage compartment 101, theair inlet 31 is obliquely downward, which helps air enter the air sanitation device 1. - The
air channel 3 includes an introduction segment 33 through which air flows obliquely upward. After entering theair inlet 31, the air flows obliquely upward toward theupper wall 24 of thehousing 2. An inlet of afan 4 is lower than theupper wall 24, to drive air to flow obliquely downward. - In an embodiment, the
air channel 3 is configured to enable air to flow along a side of a first printedcircuit board 50 to which agas sensor 51 is fixed, and a direction that aninlet 41 of thefan 4 faces is opposite to a direction in which thegas sensor 51 protrudes from thecircuit board 50. - In an embodiment, in a pair of opposite boundary walls of the
air channel 3, thegas sensor 51 protrudes from thefirst circuit board 50 toward the first boundary wall 3A, theinlet 41 of thefan 4 faces thesecond boundary wall 3B, and thegas sensor 51 is closer to the first boundary wall 3Athan theinlet 41 of thefan 4. - When the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on a
top wall 1010 of thestorage compartment 101, thegas sensor 51 protrudes from the first printedcircuit board 50 toward the upper boundary wall of theair channel 3, and theinlet 41 of thefan 4 faces the lower boundary wall which defines a lower boundary of theair channel 3. Thegas sensor 51 is closer to the upper boundary wall of theair channel 3 than theinlet 41 of thefan 4. - In an embodiment, the
gas sensor 51 may include asensing element 52 fixed to thecircuit board 50, asensor cover 53 protruding from thecircuit board 50 and having an accommodating cavity for accommodating thesensing element 52, and apermeable layer 54 for covering an inlet of the accommodating cavity. Thepermeable layer 54 covers an inlet of a free end of thesensor cover 53, to allow air to pass through thepermeable layer 54 to enter thesensor cover 53 and be in contact with thesensing element 52. Thepermeable layer 54 may be substantially parallel to thefirst circuit board 50 or thesecond boundary wall 3B of theair channel 3. - The
permeable layer 54 is higher than theinlet 41 of thefan 4, so that thepermeable layer 54 is closer to the first boundary wall 3A of theair channel 3 than theinlet 41 of thefan 4. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , at least a part of theair inlet 31 is lower than thepermeable layer 54. For example, thepermeable layer 54 is at least higher than a lower edge of theair inlet 31. In a vertical direction, thepermeable layer 54 may be completely located above theair inlet 31. - The
air detection device 5 is located between theair inlet 31 and thefan 4. In this way, theair inlet 31 makes air flow obliquely toward the first boundary wall 3A after entering theair inlet 31. Theinlet 41 of thefan 4 faces thesecond boundary wall 3B, and sequentially, air flows obliquely downward in at least a part of segments between theair detection device 5 and the inlet of thefan 4. The air flows obliquely upward and then flows obliquely downward between theair inlet 31 and thefan 4, and a part of the air may have potential energy of movement in the vertical direction when flowing through thegas sensor 51. Therefore, more air can be in contact with thesensing element 52 through thepermeable layer 54, thereby helping improve detection accuracy of thegas sensor 51. - The
first circuit board 50 is located in theair channel 3, a gap G1 is disposed between the first circuit board and the secondlower boundary wall 3B of theair channel 3, and the gap G1 is closed at an upstream side of thefirst circuit board 50 adjacent to theair inlet 31, so that more air flows above thefirst circuit board 50 and flows through thegas sensor 51. - An
air filter 62 between theair detection device 5 and thefan 4 may be disposed adjacent to theair detection device 5. Theair filter 62 is higher than thepermeable layer 54. - In an embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 may include a carrying plate 7A located in the
housing 2. The carrying plate 7Ais located between thefirst housing 28 and thesecond housing 29. Theair detection device 5 and theair purification device 6 are carried on the carrying plate 7A. Theair channel 3 is located at a side of the carrying plate 7Aon which theair detection device 5 and theair purification device 6 are mounted and defines a lower boundary of a corresponding segment of theair channel 3. - The
fan 4 is supported by the carrying plate 7A, theinlet 41 of thefan 4 faces the carrying plate 7A, and a gap G2 is disposed between the inlet and an upper surface of the carrying plate 7A. Thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 are fixed to a rear part of the carrying plate 7A. - The
first circuit board 50 is fixed to the carrying plate 7A. Thefirst circuit board 50 may be substantially parallel to the carrying plate 7A, and the gap G1 is disposed between a lower surface of the first circuit board and the upper surface of the carrying plate 7A. The gap G1 is closed by a closingportion 58 at the upstream side of thefirst circuit board 50, so that air cannot enter the gap G1. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , in an embodiment, thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 are disposed adjacent to arear wall 22. Thebaffle walls control unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63, to separate from theair channel 3. - Therefore, the
air channel 3 extends transversely toward the middle from two sides of thehousing 2, respectively, and then extends rearward after gathering in thefan 4. Therefore, air flows transversely in a front part of thehousing 2 after entering thehousing 2 from the two sides of thehousing 2, flows toward the rear part of thehousing 2 after entering thefan 4, and is discharged out of thehousing 2, that is, returns to thestorage compartment 101. - The
outlet 42 of thefan 4 faces theair outlet 32 located at the rear part of thehousing 2. Theion generator 61 is located between theoutlet 42 and theair outlet 32. Theoutlet 42 of thefan 4 directly faces theion generator 61. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , theair channel 3 may include anoutlet segment 35 that is located downstream of theoutlet 42 of thefan 4 and a width of which is gradually increased. Theoutlet segment 35 may include anexpansion segment 351 that is adjacent to theoutlet 42 of thefan 4, and a width of which is gradually increased. Therefore, an end of the expansion segment adjacent to theoutlet 42 of thefan 4 may have a smaller width, and in addition, thehousing 2 still has an enough size for arranging theair outlet 32. This helps prevent corners that may trap air from being formed next to theoutlet 42 of thefan 4, and in addition, theair outlet 32 distributed in a wider region helps air located downstream of thefan 4 be smoothly discharged out of thehousing 2. - The
ion generator 61 may be a point discharge ion generator. Theion generator 61 may also generate ozone by-products for sterilization when generating ions. Referring toFIG. 7 in combination withFIG. 6 , theion generator 61 may include achannel 611, and a tipion generation component 612 is located in thechannel 611. An inlet of thechannel 611 faces theoutlet 42 of thefan 4. - An outlet of the
ion generator 61 may face theair outlet 32, so that products of theion generator 61 may enter thestorage compartment 101 through theair outlet 32 as rapidly as possible. Theion generator 61 may be disposed in such a way that the ions have a tendency to flow toward theair outlet 32. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , in an embodiment, theair channel 3 may disposed in such a way that at least a part of air is obliquely downward discharged out of thehousing 2. Therefore, air including germicidal substances may flow obliquely downward, to further help the germicidal substances flow to other parts of thestorage compartment 101. It is particularly advantageous that, the air flowing obliquely downward from the top part of thestorage compartment 101 and including the germicidal substances may join airflow that is discharged from theair duct 103 located in the rear part of thestorage compartment 101 and that flows forward, which helps the germicidal substances follow the airflow discharged from theair duct 103 to places where the forced air circulation passes. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , adepressed portion 1010 may be disposed in atop wall 1001, to mount the air sanitation device 1. In an embodiment, theupper wall 24 of thehousing 2 is located in thedepressed portion 1010 and defines an upper boundary of theair channel 3, and theair outlet 32 is located outside thedepressed portion 1010. Theupper wall 24 has a guidingportion 241 for guiding air downward to theair outlet 32, so that the air is guided to theair outlet 32 located outside thedepressed portion 1010. On the one hand, this helps the air be accurately guided to theair outlet 32 and be smoothly discharged out of thehousing 2. On the other hand, when the air is discharged out of thehousing 2, at least a part of the air may be guided by the guidingportion 241 to flow obliquely downward toward theair outlet 32, so that at least a part of the air can flow obliquely downward. - The guiding
portion 241 may include a slope that slopes from top to bottom. The slope may include a plane and/or a curved surface. A rear end of the guidingportion 241 may be connected to therear wall 22 of thehousing 2 provided with theair outlet 32. The rear end of the guidingportion 241 may be adjacent to theair outlet 32 and located above theair outlet 32. - A length of the guiding
portion 241 may be greater than an entire length covering theion generator 61 and cover theentire ion generator 61, so that air flows more smoothly toward theair outlet 32. - In an embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 includes the
housing 2 provided with theair channel 3, and theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6 located in theair channel 3. As shown inFIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , thehousing 2 includes alight outlet 25, the air sanitation device 1 includes anillumination device 9, and theillumination device 9 is located in thehousing 2 to generate light adapted to pass through thelight outlet 25. Thelight outlet 25 faces thestorage compartment 101, to illuminate thestorage compartment 101. - The
light outlet 25 may be a through hole passing through thehousing 2, or be formed through a light permeable wall of thehousing 2. - The air sanitation device 1 includes a
partition member 7, and thepartition member 7 separates theillumination device 9 from theair channel 3, so that air is adapted to flow along a first side of thepartition member 7, and theillumination device 9 is located between a second side of thepartition member 7 and thelight outlet 25. - By using the
partition member 7 to separate theillumination device 9 from theair channel 3, air entering thehousing 2 from outside may be separated from theillumination device 9, which particularly helps improve the service life of the air sanitation device 1 having theillumination device 9. - In an embodiment, the
partition member 7 and thehousing 2 together define anaccommodating space 70 isolated from theair channel 3, and theillumination device 9 is located in theaccommodating space 70. - When the air sanitation device 1 is arranged on the top part of the
storage compartment 101, theair channel 3 having theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6 is located above theillumination device 9. Both theaccommodating space 70 and theair channel 3 may be in a flat structure. Theaccommodating space 70 may be distributed approximately parallel to theair channel 3. - The
partition member 7 may include a carrying plate 7A for mounting theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6. Theair detection device 5 and/or theair purification device 6 may be fixed to the first side of thepartition member 7. In an embodiment, theair detection device 5, theair purification device 6, and thefan 4 are mounted at the first side of thepartition member 7 away from thelight outlet 25. Thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 may also be mounted at the first side of thepartition member 7. - The
partition member 7 and these electronic devices carried in thepartition member 7 may be pre-assembled to form apre-assembly module 7B. - The
partition member 7 may include amain board portion 71 and aside board 72 extending from an edge of themain board portion 71 toward thelight outlet 25. In this embodiment, the air sanitation device 1 is mounted on the top part of thestorage compartment 101, thelight outlet 25 is located at the bottom part of thehousing 2, and theside board 72 extends downward from themain board portion 71. - The
air detection device 5, theair purification device 6, and thefan 4 are mounted on themain board portion 71, so that themain board portion 71 forms the carrying plate 7A. Thecontrol unit 16 and thepower supply unit 63 may also be mounted on themain board portion 71. Themain board portion 71 may have a plurality ofprotrusions 711 protruding in a direction away from thelight outlet 25, to fix these components. - A distal end of the
side board 72 may overlap alower wall 23 of thehousing 2. The distal end of theside board 72 may overlap thelower wall 23 of thehousing 2 by surrounding thelight outlet 25. The air sanitation device 1 may include a first fixing mechanism configured to fix thepartition member 7 to thehousing 2. The first fixing mechanism may be configured to be adapted to generate a force that makes the distal end of theside board 72 tightly butt against thehousing 2. This way helps reduce a probability that air enters theaccommodating space 70 through a gap between theside board 72 and thehousing 2. - The first fixing mechanism may include a plurality of
hooks 26 disposed in thehousing 2, and thehooks 26 are connected to thepartition member 7 so that a force toward thelower wall 23 of thehousing 2 is applied to thepartition member 7. Thehooks 26 may be distributed around thelight outlet 25, and hook on an edge of themain board portion 71. - The
illumination device 9 may be mounted at the second side of thepartition member 7 facing thelight outlet 25. In an embodiment, themain board portion 71 and theside board 72 enclose anaccommodating cavity 701 opening toward thelight outlet 25, and theillumination device 9 is at least partially located in theaccommodating cavity 701. Theaccommodating cavity 701 may constitute at least main part of theaccommodating space 70. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , anillumination device 9 includes alight source 91. Thelight source 91 may include an LED light emitting element (not labeled) and acircuit board 93 carrying the light emitting element. In an embodiment, thecircuit board 93 extends along aside board 72 and is located at a side in theaccommodating cavity 701. - A
partition member 7 may have afirst slot 74 extending along theside board 72, and thecircuit board 93 extends into thefirst slot 74. A depth of thefirst slot 74 is greater than depths of other parts of theaccommodating cavity 701 in thepartition member 7. - The
illumination device 9 may include alight guide plate 94 and aframe bar 95 fixing thelight source 91 to an end of thelight guide plate 94. - The
frame bar 95 has aprotrusion 951 supporting thecircuit board 93 and protruding toward thefirst slot 74, and theprotrusion 951 extends into thefirst slot 74, so that thecircuit board 93 also extends into thefirst slot 74. - The
illumination device 9 may include alight diffuser 96. Thelight diffuser 96 covers an outer side of thelight guide plate 94, and thelight source 91 and thelight guide plate 94 are located between amain board portion 71 and thelight diffuser 96. - In an embodiment, the
light diffuser 96 may be fixed to thepartition member 7, so that thelight source 91 and thelight guide plate 94 are mounted in theaccommodating cavity 701. For example, periphery of thelight diffuser 96 may be connected to theside board 72 by buckles. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
light diffuser 96 may be in a shallow tray shape opening toward thepartition member 7, and thelight source 91 and thelight guide plate 94 are accommodated in thelight diffuser 96. - The
light source 91, thelight guide plate 94, and thelight diffuser 96 may be together mounted at thepartition member 7 after forming a pre-assembly unit. - The
light diffuser 96 is at least partially accommodated in thepartition member 7. For example, a side wall of thelight diffuser 96 is located in theaccommodating cavity 701. - In an embodiment, a surface of the
light diffuser 96 facing alight outlet 25 does not exceed a distal end surface of theside board 72. - The surface of the
light diffuser 96 facing thelight outlet 25 may be substantially flush with the distal end surface of theside board 72. - The
partition member 7 has anend surface 76 adjacent to aside wall 21 having anair inlet 31, and theend surface 76 is exposed in theair channel 3. A gap is disposed between theend surface 76 and theside wall 21 of thehousing 2. Theside wall 21 has anoblique portion 210, an angle is disposed between the oblique portion and theend surface 76, and theair inlet 31 passes through theoblique portion 210. This can reduce occurrence of a case that the air entering theair channel 3 directly flows toward theend surface 76 and is blocked. - In an embodiment, the
housing 2 includes afirst housing 28 and asecond housing 29, and thefirst housing 28 is connected to thesecond housing 29 to form a receivingspace 201. Thesecond housing member 29 has thelight outlet 25. Anaccommodating space 70 for accommodating theillumination device 9 is formed between thepartition member 7 and thesecond housing 29. - A first
accommodating space 202 for accommodating anair detection device 5 and/or anair purification device 6 is disposed between thefirst housing 28 and thepartition member 7. At least most of theair channel 3 is located between thefirst housing 28 and thepartition member 7. - In an embodiment, the
air inlet 31 is located in thesecond housing 29. Theair inlet 31 may be at least partially lower than an upper surface of themain board portion 71 facing thefirst housing 28, and disposed obliquely so that air entering theair inlet 31 flows toward thefirst housing 28, thereby helping avoid a case that air entering theair channel 3 through theair inlet 31 is blocked by thepartition member 7 and wind resistance is increased. - A lower edge of the
air outlet 32 may be substantially flush with an upper surface of thepartition member 7 facing thefirst housing 28, so that air flows to theair outlet 32 along the upper surface of thepartition member 7. - The
air outlet 32 may be disposed in thesecond housing 29. Thesecond housing 29 may include aconvex portion 295 protruding toward thepartition member 7, an inner side of theconvex portion 295 may be tightly adjacent to or be in contact with theside board 72 of thepartition member 7, and theair outlet 32 is disposed on theconvex portion 295, so that theair outlet 32 is tightly adjacent to the upper surface of thepartition member 7, and air flowing along the upper surface of thepartition member 7 can smoothly flow to theair outlet 32. - A first sunk
part 282 may be disposed at rear ends of two sides of thefirst housing 28, to reduce air blown to thecontrol unit 16 or thepower supply unit 63. A second sunkpart 283 may be further disposed in thefirst housing 28, to accommodate cables and terminals. - The air sanitation device 1 may be fixed in a
depressed portion 1010 by using a plurality ofhooks 285 located in thefirst housing 28. - Various embodiments illustrated with reference to
FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 may be combined with each other in any given manner to realize the advantage of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the shown embodiments. Usually, apart from the shown means, other means can also be used as long as the means can also achieve the same effect.
Claims (15)
- An air sanitation device (1) for a refrigerator, characterized by comprising:a housing (2), comprising a light outlet (25);an air channel (3) located in the housing;an air detection device (5) and/or an air purification device (6) located in the air channel;an illumination device (9), located in the housing to generate light adapted to pass through the light outlet; anda partition member (7), separating the illumination device from the air channel, air being adapted to flow along a first side of the partition member, and the illumination device being located between a second side of the partition member and the light outlet.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the partition member and the housing together define an accommodating space (70) isolated from the air channel, and the illumination device is located in the accommodating space.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, the accommodating space and the air channel are substantially parallel on two sides of the partition member.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, the air detection device and/or the air purification device is fixed to the first side of the partition member, and/or the illumination device is fixed to the second side of the partition member.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, the partition member is fixed to the housing.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by comprising a first fixing mechanism configured to fix the partition member to the housing, the first fixing mechanism being distributed around the light outlet.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, the partition member comprises a main board portion (71) and a side board (72) extending from an edge of the main board portion toward the light outlet, the main board portion and the side board together define an accommodating cavity (701) opening toward the light outlet, and the illumination device is at least partially located in the accommodating cavity.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, the illumination device comprises a light source (91), the light source comprises a light emitting element and a circuit board (93) carrying the light emitting element, and the circuit board extends along the side board (72).
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, the partition member comprises a first slot (74) extending along the side board, and the circuit board is at least partially located in the first slot.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, the illumination device comprises a light guide plate (94) and a frame bar (95) fixing the light source to an end of the light guide plate, the frame bar has a protrusion (951) supporting the circuit board and protruding toward the first slot, and the protrusion extends into the first slot (74).
- The air sanitation device (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, the illumination device comprises a light diffuser (96), and the light diffuser is fixed to the partition member.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, the light diffuser is at least partially accommodated in the partition member.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, a surface of the light diffuser facing the light outlet does not exceed a distal end surface of the partition member facing the light outlet.
- The air sanitation device (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that, the housing comprises an air inlet (31) penetrating through a side wall (21) of the housing, the partition member has an end surface (76) adjacent to the air inlet, a gap being disposed between the end surface and the side wall, and an angle being formed between planes in which the end surface and the side wall are respectively located.
- An air sanitation device (1), characterized by comprising:a housing (2), comprising a first housing member (28) and a second housing member (29), the first housing member being coupled to the second housing member to form a receiving space (201);a partition member (7) located in the housing;an air detection device (5) and/or an air purification device (6); andan illumination device (9), whereinan air channel (3) is disposed between the first housing member (28) and the partition member (7), the air detection device (5) and/or the air purification device (6) is located in the air channel, the second housing member (29) has a light outlet (25), and the illumination device is located between the partition member (7) and the second housing member (29).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN202011588719.3A CN114688809A (en) | 2020-12-29 | 2020-12-29 | Air sanitation device for refrigerator and refrigerator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4023970A1 true EP4023970A1 (en) | 2022-07-06 |
Family
ID=79024286
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21214772.2A Withdrawn EP4023970A1 (en) | 2020-12-29 | 2021-12-15 | Air sanitation device for refrigerator and refrigerator |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220202983A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4023970A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN114688809A (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105148313A (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2015-12-16 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Sterilization and deodorization device for refrigerator and refrigerator |
CN110878998A (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2020-03-13 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Refrigerator with a door |
US20200237951A1 (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2020-07-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
CN211551328U (en) * | 2020-04-07 | 2020-09-22 | 深圳和而泰智能控制股份有限公司 | Lighting device |
-
2020
- 2020-12-29 CN CN202011588719.3A patent/CN114688809A/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-12-15 EP EP21214772.2A patent/EP4023970A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2021-12-22 US US17/558,891 patent/US20220202983A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105148313A (en) | 2015-09-30 | 2015-12-16 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Sterilization and deodorization device for refrigerator and refrigerator |
CN110878998A (en) | 2018-09-05 | 2020-03-13 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Refrigerator with a door |
US20200237951A1 (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2020-07-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
CN211551328U (en) * | 2020-04-07 | 2020-09-22 | 深圳和而泰智能控制股份有限公司 | Lighting device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20220202983A1 (en) | 2022-06-30 |
CN114688809A (en) | 2022-07-01 |
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